If anyone could advise on the below I'd be most grateful.
10 days ago I took on a 5 month old kitten from a friend who was looking to rehome. She has a toddler & kitten was biting & scratching the child.
Kitten appeared to be settling in well with us, purring (I believe this can also be to self soothe) but sleeping in bed with us & coming for cuddles and strokes on our laps within first few hours. Kitten was biting our hands a little when he'd had enough pets which I expected & also jumping up at legs when walking or coming round corners.
He is an indoor cat & I have been home with him all day since having him, barring a couple of hours here and there. He has plenty of toys & is played with daily. No DC in home, one step DC age 5 who visited over weekend. Step DC was respectful of DCat's boundaries & was not attacked. DCat also does not attack DP unless being stroked too much.
DCat however is constantly trying to attack me. I've tried positive reinforcement, I have always have cats and believe I can read their body language well & know when to leave alone. DCat however is attacking me unprovoked. I'm not sure if it's aggression or play but will stalk me & pounce if I'm sat still on the sofa. DCat also has attacked my head a few times, will walk along back of sofa & jump onto my head to bite and claw. It's difficult to get DCat off my arms and legs once he has pounced and is clawing at them, if I withdraw my arm he will attack further. Will also attack at my hands if I am trying to sleep in bed, just runs up & bites.
The cat seems content otherwise, is very affectionate & will rub his head on yours, rub around your legs and sit on your lap purring for pets. I've tried making a loud "ow" noise, pulling away from the cat & ignoring the behaviour. Also tried redirecting, when DCat starts this I will try to redirect him to the toys.
Does anyone have suggestions? Is this normal for 5 month old kittens or is he anxious and unsettled?